Koehler announces $24.6 million improvement to Peoria’s Bob Michel Bridge

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler joined local leaders along with the Illinois Department of Transportation Tuesday to announce $24.6 million in improvements to Peoria’s Bob Michel Bridge through the Rebuild Illinois project.

The project includes installing new concrete and bridge joints to extend the life of the deck. The improvements will expand walkways and convert the five foot sidewalks into a 14 – foot path that is accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists in the community.

“These improvements to our bridge is vital for workers and residents throughout our community,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “Residents of the greater Peoria area deserve safe transportation and high quality roads. These repairs provide opportunities for new jobs, economic development, and a brighter future for our community.”

Koehler supported the Rebuild Illinois project in 2019, a bipartisan effort to invest $44.8 billion over six years into the state’s infrastructure, with over $33.2 billion being allocated to transportation – including the funds for the Bob Michel Bridge construction.

The bridge carries over 17,000 vehicles a day across the Illinois River, connecting Peoria and East Peoria. The bridge will be closed for eight months, with traffic being rerouted to interstate 74. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross the bridge.

The project is scheduled to finish in November.

Koehler commends Peoria National Guard in upcoming deployment

PEORIA – The Illinois Army and National Guard had their mobilization ceremony for 160 National Guardsmen Tuesday. State Senator Dave Koehler commends their sacrifice.

“I am thankful to have such brave men and women in our community protecting our nation’s interests overseas,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “These airmen and women will be guiding our forces from above. I wish them a safe and successful deployment.”

More than 100 members of the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion of the 106th Aviation Regiment, as well as 30 members from the Company B. 935th Aviation Support Battalion from Kankakee will deploy to the U.S. Central Command region. Soldiers will spend their time providing air support to United States forces throughout the Middle East.

These men and women will be deployed overseas to help conduct operations with national interest.

Koehler secures funding for lead service line replacement

PEORIA HEIGHTS – The Illinois EPA announced $40,000 is coming to Peoria Heights to help the area identify service lines that may contain lead.

“Lead contamination poses serious health risks for residents in our community,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This funding will give the village the resources they need to ensure we have safe drinking water throughout our community.”

State Senator Dave Koehler voted for the legislation creating the Lead Service Line Replacement Notification Act in 2021. This act provides timelines and requirements for communities replacing contaminated water pipes, as well as assisting in financing local water projects throughout Illinois.

Illinois has more lead service lines than any other state in the nation, with an estimated 730,000 to 1.4 million lead service lines in the ground. There is no safe level of exposure to lead.

“This funding will provide many communities with the necessary funding to develop a complete inventory identifying the types of water lines that exist in their drinking water supplies,” said Illinois EPA Director John Kim.

To see a full list of Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) Grants, click here.

Welcome Joshua Crockett!

State Senator Dave Koehler is pleased to introduce his new constituent service coordinator in his district office, Joshua Crockett.

Joshua Crockett earned his B.S. in Political Science with a minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility from Illinois State University in May of 2021 and is currently pursuing a master’s in communication. During his time at ISU, Joshua worked at the Center for Civic Engagement as a Census & Election Fellow to encourage student participation in 2020, followed by his time as the Graduate Assistant for Civic Education and Political Engagement.

Prior to his time at ISU, Joshua attended Heartland Community College where he served as Student Trustee and later secured a position on the Board of Trustees. He is thrilled to continue supporting the Bloomington-Normal community through my district office.